Tigres needed some good news, and they finally got it. In Víctor Manuel Vucetich’s debut as head coach, the university team secured its first victory of the 2026 Apertura season with a 2-0 win over Atlante.
Goals by Rodrigo Aguirre and Juan Brunetta gave the Monterrey-based team three points that could mean much more than just a simple victory. After a difficult start, Tigres is beginning a new chapter with Vucetich, and—at least for now—the coaching change has paid off.
With the win, the Tigres moved to four points and climbed to fourteenth place in the standings, while Atlante remained in thirteenth place with five points.
Atlante was down to 10
ATLANTE DOWN TO 10!
— FOX (@somos_FOX) August 22, 2026
Luis Calzadilla received his second yellow card in the 36th minute and was sent off early. The Potros will play with one fewer player for the rest of the match.
MIN 36 🐯Tigres 0 – 0 Atlante 🐎 pic.twitter.com/g7T0DsodpL
The match began with a few chances for Tigres. Diego Sánchez had one of the first opportunities in the 11th minute, when he received the ball on the left wing, cut inside, and fired a shot that sailed over the crossbar.
But the match took a different turn in the 19th minute.
Luis Calzadilla was sent off after a hard tackle on Rómulo in midfield. Atlante had to play with one man down for practically the entire game, and Tigres began to take control.
Even so, the University team failed to open the scoring in the first half.
In the 45th minute, Juan Brunetta broke down the left flank and sent a cross to Rodrigo Aguirre, who took a first-time shot, though it went wide.
Tigres also struggled
Having the numerical advantage didn’t mean Tigres had an easy game. The University team had some clear chances but couldn’t capitalize on them.
One of the best chances came in the 66th minute. Diego Lainez received a pass from Fernando Gorriarán inside the box and found himself practically alone in front of the goal, but he sent his shot over the crossbar.
Atlante also had a golden opportunity to take the lead.
Rafael Guerrero brought down Armando Escobar inside the box, and the referee called a penalty. Luis Puente stepped up to take the kick, but Nahuel Guzmán rose to the occasion, saving the shot and preventing the Potros from taking the lead.
That moment ended up being crucial.
Aguirre and Brunetta seal the victory
Goal for Tigres!
— TV Azteca Deportes (@AztecaDeportes) August 22, 2026
Brunetta fires off a volley and scores the second of the night at the Volcán#MoreActionMoreFun #TigresAtlante@calientesports brings you the best moments while you bet and win https://t.co/fusGVkWLpG pic.twitter.com/DMYL0aEzc7
After so much pressure, Tigres finally got the reward in the 79th minute.
Juan Brunetta threaded a perfect pass into open space, and Rodrigo Aguirre popped up to control it and finish with a low shot to the far post.
The 1-0 lead gave Tigres some breathing room and forced Atlante to look for a comeback with little time left and one player down.
But there was still room for a gem.
In the 90th minute, Brunetta struck again, this time to score the second goal of the night. The Argentine received a cross from Isaac Galván and connected with a spectacular volley to send the ball into the back of the net.
A spectacular goal and the match was decided.
Vucetich Gets Off on the Right Foot
Víctor Manuel Vucetich’s debut couldn’t have ended any better. Tigres secured their first win of the tournament, kept a clean sheet, and regained some confidence after a rough start.
Now the Tigres will have to prove that this win wasn’t just a fluke.
The next challenge comes on Saturday, August 29, when Tigres visits Santos at the TSM at 9:00 p.m.
Atlante, meanwhile, will host León on Friday, August 28, at 7:00 p.m. at Estadio Banorte.
For Tigres, a new era is beginning. And for now, Vucetich has already achieved what the team urgently needed: a win.
